Top Santa Cruz Hotel Deals

Make the Most of Your Santa Cruz Stay

A gateway with character

Santa Cruz anchors Madeira's eastern coast as the island's aviation gateway, yet offers far more than airport convenience. The 16th-century Church of São Salvador stands in the town center, its Manueline portal reflecting the municipality's status as one of Madeira's oldest settlements. The palm-lined promenade at Praia das Palmeiras provides a pebbled beach where locals gather, while the dramatic Cristo Rei statue in nearby Garajau predates Rio's famous Christ by decades. Authentic island life unfolds minutes from international arrivals.

Coastal ease and cultural depth

The municipality's neighborhoods serve distinct purposes for discerning travelers. Caniço de Baixo concentrates resort hotels and marine activities along the Garajau Nature Reserve, while highland Camacha showcases Madeira's renowned wicker craft tradition. Santo da Serra's championship golf course has hosted PGA European Tour events. The dining scene balances traditional seafood restaurants near the market with upscale hotel establishments overlooking the Atlantic, where espetada and fresh catch define the local palate.

Strategic positioning

Santa Cruz's location makes it exceptionally practical for both business efficiency and island exploration. Funchal sits 15 minutes west via efficient SAM buses or taxi, while Ponta de São Lourenço's volcanic drama and Machico's golden sands lie minutes east. Airport proximity transforms mere transit into an opportunity to experience genuine Madeiran culture without sacrificing convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz

Can I book hotels in Santa Cruz on Delta Stays using miles?

Yes, you can use your Delta miles to book your Santa Cruz hotel stay, or you can combine your miles with cash for more flexibility. Upon accessing your Delta SkyMiles® account, you will find Member-valued offers at participating properties that could enhance your visit.

What are the benefits if I use Delta Stays to book my hotel stay in Santa Cruz?

As a SkyMiles Member, you will earn 2 miles per $1 spent on completed hotel stays and vacation rentals reserved through Delta Stays. Plus, you will receive access to Member promotions at select properties, along with the option to complete payment using miles, cash, or a combination. To ensure you earn miles when paying fully with cash, simply sign in to your SkyMiles account or enter your SkyMiles number at checkout. Please allow up to 8 weeks after completing a stay for miles to appear in the SkyMiles account provided. Please also note that if you use miles to pay for any portion of your stay, you will not earn miles on that reservation, including any amount paid with cash.

What is the policy to change or cancel my hotel booking made through Delta Stays?

Cancellation policies differ depending on the property you choose. Be sure to check the cancellation policy listed under the hotel’s details before booking. Some rates are fully refundable while others are non-refundable. Changes and cancellations to your booking may result in a different amount of miles earned and awarded to your account.

Can my Delta SkyMiles® American Express® Card be used for booking?

As a Delta SkyMiles® Gold, Platinum, or Reserve American Express® Cardholder, you can earn additional miles along with valuable benefits, including an annual statement credit of up to $200 applicable toward prepaid accommodations booked through Delta Cars and Stays. These offers are subject to specific terms and conditions. If you would like to explore all the benefits available with your card, please visit the Delta SkyMiles® American Express Credit Cards page for complete details.

Can I earn MQDs on Delta Stays hotel bookings?

Periodically, Delta Stays offers opportunities for SkyMiles Members to accumulate Medallion® Qualification Dollars through hotel and vacation rental reservations completed using Delta Stays. We invite you to check the Delta Stays MQD Offer page regularly to view current MQD earning opportunities and examine the specific terms and conditions associated with these special offers.

In order to book a hotel on Delta Stays, do I need to be a Delta SkyMiles Member?

No, Delta Stays accommodations are accessible to all travelers seeking hotel reservations. Nevertheless, enrollment as a SkyMiles Member provides you with opportunities to accumulate miles and gain access to preferential pricing and promotions available only to Members. SkyMiles Members earn 2 miles per $1 spent on Delta Cars and Stays purchases (excluding taxes and additional fees). Enrollment in the SkyMiles program comes at no cost. Register today by going to the delta.com.

Can I book a vacation rental through Delta Stays?

Yes, in addition to traditional hotels, Delta Stays provides an extensive collection of vacation rentals for your vacation. You can explore a variety of homes, condos, and specialty lodging powered by Vrbo by visiting the Vacation Rentals page.

Which hotels have good ratings in Santa Cruz?

You will find 29 hotels in Santa Cruz to choose from when you book on Delta Stays. Sentido Galosol has a guest rating of 9 out of 10, and features a beachfront setting and 2 outdoor pools. Another top-rated hotel is Rocamar Lido Resort, where you can enjoy 3 outdoor pools and an ocean-view restaurant. Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club has a rating of 9.8 and this hotel has private beach access and 3 outdoor pools.

What's a good time of year to visit Santa Cruz?

To experience Santa Cruz during great weather, consider a visit in September when the temperature averages 72°F and the skies are mostly sunny with light rainfall. For off-peak prices and more deals on hotels, consider visiting during January when temperatures reach a milder 61°F with fewer crowds and significantly lower pricing.

Which hotels in Santa Cruz are near Ponta da Oliveira?

This dramatic volcanic coastline creates an underwater haven where lava formations shelter colorful damselfish and sea anemones in clear azure waters ideal for guided diving excursions. One popular hotel is Sentido Galosol which is a short walk away. Hotel Riu Madeira - All Inclusive is another well-reviewed hotel and it is within a 10-minute walk.

Which hotels in Santa Cruz are located near Santo da Serra Market?

Santo da Serra Market comes alive every Sunday with local farmers offering fresh produce, traditional crafts, and homemade poncha. Arrive early to enjoy folk music and sample authentic pastries. One popular hotel is PortoBay Serra Golf which is steps away. Another top hotel is Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club and it is within a short drive.

Which hotels in Santa Cruz are located closest to Cristo Rei?

Standing tall since 1927, this clifftop statue predates Rio's Christ the Redeemer and offers sweeping Atlantic views. A nearby cable car descends to the crystal-clear marine reserve below. Sentido Galosol is a popular hotel, which is just a short drive away. Another hotel is Casa Velha do Palheiro, Relais & Chateaux and it is within a short drive.

Are there any luxury 4-star and 5-star hotels in Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz is home to many luxury hotels. At Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club, guests love the 3 outdoor pools. For luxury hotels in other destinations, visit the Luxury Stays page.

*Terms and conditions:

Mileage Offer:

SkyMiles Members will earn two (2) miles per US$1 or equivalent foreign currency spent at https://carsandstays.delta.com/Opens in a new window on the base hotel rate for a completed hotel stay. Base hotel rate is the cost of the hotel room, before taxes and fees, charged at the time of booking or upon checkout. Taxes and fees, gratuities, room service other booking charges, or any bookings which are paid or reduced by miles, redemption vouchers or discount codes are excluded from mileage credit. For clarity, if miles are used as a form of payment (whether for all or a portion of the booking), no portion of the booking will be eligible to earn miles under this offer. Except with respect to the Hertz Mileage offer (listed below), SkyMiles Members will earn two (2) miles per eligible US$1 or equivalent foreign currency spent at https://carsandstays.delta.com/Cars on the base car rental rate for a completed car qualifying rental booking (“Qualifying Dollars”). A qualifying rental booking includes rentals at a participating location for one or more days at rates other than travel industry rates or discounts, wholesale of tour package rates or discounts, wholesale tour package rates, insurance/dealer replacement rates, corporate and government rates, group travel discounts, or rentals in conjunction with a frequent flyer car award, or other corporate agreements applicable to the respective car company. Calculation of the applicable standard mileage offer is listed below by car rental company. Qualifying Dollars include the base car rental rate, which is the cost of the car rental before taxes and fees, charged at the time of booking. Taxes, fees, other incidental charges, or other booking charges or any bookings which are paid or reduced by redemption vouchers or discount codes are excluded from mileage credit and are not included in the Qualifying Dollars.

This mileage offer does not apply to stays or car rentals booked through Delta Vacations or any cruises booked through Delta Cruises.

Standard mileage offer for car rentals booked at https://www.delta.com/Opens in a new window or https://carsandstays.delta.com/Opens in a new window:

Hertz Reservations:

• General SkyMiles Members earn 4 miles per Qualifying Dollar

• Silver Medallions earn 5 miles per Qualifying Dollar

• Gold Medallions earn 6 miles per Qualifying Dollar

• Platinum Medallions earn 7 miles per Qualifying Dollar

• Diamond Medallions earn 8 miles per Qualifying Dollar

Dollar and Thrifty Reservations:

• All SkyMiles Members earn 4 miles per Qualifying Dollar

Alamo, Enterprise, National, Avis, Budget, Payless and SIXT Reservations:

• All SkyMiles Members earn 2 miles per Qualifying Dollar